This paper, part of a larger study, was conceived in response to the high maternal morbidity
and mortality rates attributable to unsafe abortion in Nigeria. The study was predicated
upon the assumption that socio-cultural practices influence the reproductive health outcome of
most women in Nigeria and therefore explored these practices in relation to abortion among
the Tarok ethnic group in central Nigeria. It utilized qualitative method that provided for a
detailed and descriptive analysis of data from female and male respondents of various sociodemographic
groups through thirty in-depth interviews and focus group discussion sessions
conducted between April and May, 2008. The study found a high level of Tarok women’s exposure
to unintended pregnancy, which is largely rooted in unequal gender relations, traditional
gender roles and social taboos. It concludes that intervention strategies aimed at improving
maternal health must go beyond the provision of, and access to contraceptives and legalisation
of abortion to addressing socio-cultural practices that have overwhelming influence on the life
and death of women in Nigeria.